The home of killer Mark Bridger - where he almost certainly murdered April Jones - may be put up for rent, it has been reported.

Bridger, 47, abducted the five-year-old as she played with friends near her home in on the Bryn-y-Gog estate in Machynlleth, mid Wales, in October last year.

The former slaughterhouse worker has never revealed what he did with April's remains, although skull fragments were found in his fireplace.

The former home of Mark Bridger in Ceinws is reportedly set to be rented out because the local council will not buy and demolish it

Mark Bridger abducted and murdered five-year-old April Jones. Her body has not been found

Police believe he dismembered the schoolgirl's body before dumping the body parts at various locations in the hills, rivers and forests surrounding his home in Ceinws after traces of her blood were found all over his rented cottage.

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The first police officers who attended the scene reported a strong smell of washing powder and cleaning products.

Bridger was given a whole-life sentence in May by trial judge Mr Justice Griffith Williams after a jury took four hours to find him guilty following a month-long trial.

Forensic police are seen at an upstairs window at the home last year. Some of the child's bone fragments were found in the house

The one-time lifeguard, who was also caught downloading child porn on his computer, claimed he accidentally ran over April and in the ensuing panic could not remember what he did with her body.

The Wales on Sunday newspaper reported that Bridger's former home, which is three miles north of Machynlleth, was to be offered to new tenants because the public authorities were not prepared to buy it from its owner and demolish it.

Bridger moved into Mount Pleasant Cottage in August 2012, five weeks before he snatched April. He paid £450-a-month rent to the owner, it emerged during his trial at Mold Crown Court this year.

A resident of Machynlleth, who did not wish to be identified, told the newspaper: 'It is my understanding that Mark Bridger's home is being prepared to go to new tenants.

'The landlord has been there mowing the lawn and has told locals that the house isn't to be bought by the police or council, and so he is to re-let the property.

'Given what has likely gone on there, this seems rather distasteful. You can only really feel sorry for the poor guy.

'He is probably paying a mortgage on it, is left with an unsaleable property and has very little option.

'While I have every sympathy with him, you would think that someone in authority would have made a call, and compulsorily purchased it.

'While the area is doing its best to pick up and move on, it is particularly hard when those in authority aren't intervening to make sensible decisions. I hope that if this gets some public attention, someone would be shamed into action.'

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April Jones: House where Mark Bridger killed girl 'up for rent as council won't pay to demolish it'